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This is just a thought. I don't know how true it is. But maybe the idea that "classical music is depressing" could come from the whole "melancholy artist" stereotype. You know the image of the person dressed all in black playing the piano by themselves in the dark. Idk...

Some people have indeed explicitly told me I should not listen to classical music because it is what makes me feel depressed. What? This shows how much people understand me of course... I feel much more depressed when I get on the bus and am forced to turn off my iPod because the music on the bus (not classical of course ) is so loud...

I know exactly what you mean! If I go for too long without listening to piano music, I actually get kind of depressed. A lot of times my roommates will be listening to other music so I won't be able to. Then when I listen to my music I feel a whole lot better.

This is just a thought. I don't know how true it is. But maybe the idea that "classical music is depressing" could come from the whole "melancholy artist" stereotype. You know the image of the person dressed all in black playing the piano by themselves in the dark. Idk...

Some people have indeed explicitly told me I should not listen to classical music because it is what makes me feel depressed. What? This shows how much people understand me of course... I feel much more depressed when I get on the bus and am forced to turn off my iPod because the music on the bus (not classical of course ) is so loud...

I know exactly what you mean! If I go for too long without listening to piano music, I actually get kind of depressed. A lot of times my roommates will be listening to other music so I won't be able to. Then when I listen to my music I feel a whole lot better.

Can't you tell them to use headphones? Maybe they don't know you don't like the music they usually listen to...

Music is my best friend.

#1652181 - 04/01/1102:45 AMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: Gould]

Ever think that classical music can actually help you feel less depressed? Because it's an outlet for your expression and something you can relate to. Plus what better way to treat your depression than practicing and being insanely busy? When you're in a practice room, life kind of stops for those hours and all that matters is the piece and your deadline - concert, competition, whatever. You don't have to think about things in your life that make you feel like [censored] every day.

"The eyes can mislead, the smile can lie, but the shoes always tell the truth."

classical music certainly isn't depressing, although it can evoke sadness (not a bad thing at all, IMHO). however, in pondering this question, i do think that classical music deserves the title of "serious music", exemplified in the famous furrow in beethoven's brow, and quite a bit of associated rigidity, rules & regulations.

frankly i can't think of too many examples in classical music of truly joyous music -- mozart & scarlatti come to mind -- but i can think of other genres of music which exhibit joyousness on a regular basis (e.g. gospel, trad. irish music).

i'm not saying the "serious" moniker is a bad thing, but it does drive a certain perception outside of the cognoscenti.

classical music certainly isn't depressing, although it can evoke sadness (not a bad thing at all, IMHO). however, in pondering this question, i do think that classical music deserves the title of "serious music", exemplified in the famous furrow in beethoven's brow, and quite a bit of associated rigidity, rules & regulations.

frankly i can't think of too many examples in classical music of truly joyous music -- mozart & scarlatti come to mind -- but i can think of other genres of music which exhibit joyousness on a regular basis (e.g. gospel, trad. irish music).

i'm not saying the "serious" moniker is a bad thing, but it does drive a certain perception outside of the cognoscenti.

I think you make a good point about the reputation of classical music for being heavy, but don't really agree that there's little in classical music that is joyous, or at least "happy". There's a great deal of Beethoven that is (the "Ode to Joy", obviously). And there is lots of sunny and cheerful music by Haydn, Bach, Dvorak, Liszt, Chabrier, and many others. And isn't the "serious" part of "serious music" really about artistic intent, rather than the actual mood (acknowledging that serious artistic intent itself may be depressing to people who aren't on that wavelength)?

But true, to someone not used to it, a lot of it must seem incredibly moody at the least, especially Romantic stuff that aims at generating extreme emotions in the listener.

#1652978 - 04/02/1107:24 AMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: Entheo]

frankly i can't think of too many examples in classical music of truly joyous music -- mozart & scarlatti come to mind -- but i can think of other genres of music which exhibit joyousness on a regular basis (e.g. gospel, trad. irish music).

Well, to take just one example, "Jauchzet, frohlocket" from Bach's Christmas Oratorio (I guess not strictly Classical, but someone mentioned Bach earlier so I guess it's OK).

This has got to be one of the sillier thread topics I've yet seen here. The only thing depressing is that classical doesn't sell as well, nor is as popular, as the inane crap you hear while sitting at a red light from the idiot in the car next to you who feels everyone else should partake in his ignorance.

Do your windows roll up?

accompanist/organist.. a non-MTNA teacher to a few

love and peace, Õun (apple in Estonian)

#1653014 - 04/02/1109:21 AMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: Gould]

It's not actually the music itself, but being a pianist is making me horribly depressed right now. I practice my butt off, and I think I've made tons of progress, but then in my lesson my teacher will say something like "Piano is not going well." It just makes me so sad that I love piano music so much but I can't do well at it no matter how hard I try.

It's not actually the music itself, but being a pianist is making me horribly depressed right now. I practice my butt off, and I think I've made tons of progress, but then in my lesson my teacher will say something like "Piano is not going well." It just makes me so sad that I love piano music so much but I can't do well at it no matter how hard I try.

You're going to encounter all kinds of crap in the field of music. Sometimes there'll be days when even after hours and hours of practicing, things just will not be working right, breakdowns, or you'll get a stack of music to learn for collaborative, or you'll find out the violin juries you're accompanying are on the same day as your recital (only earlier), and the office will refuse to move your recital because they don't give a [censored] how you end up playing (might as well be playing with my feet).... etc etc.

"The eyes can mislead, the smile can lie, but the shoes always tell the truth."

#1653109 - 04/02/1101:10 PMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: apple*]

This has got to be one of the sillier thread topics I've yet seen here. The only thing depressing is that classical doesn't sell as well, nor is as popular, as the inane crap you hear while sitting at a red light from the idiot in the car next to you who feels everyone else should partake in his ignorance.

Do your windows roll up?

They do, sure, but when I can still hear the lyrics with the windows up and FEEL what they're listening to (and it doesn't necessarily have to be the car next to me) then you're dealing with an idiot who feels that everyone else should be subjected to his "taste" (of which, of course, he has none).

"And if we look at the works of J.S. Bach — a benevolent god to which all musicians should offer a prayer to defend themselves against mediocrity... -Debussy

"It's ok if you disagree with me. I can't force you to be right."

♪ ≠ $

#1653124 - 04/02/1101:25 PMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: Gould]

I think you make a good point about the reputation of classical music for being heavy, but don't really agree that there's little in classical music that is joyous, or at least "happy". There's a great deal of Beethoven that is (the "Ode to Joy", obviously). And there is lots of sunny and cheerful music by Haydn, Bach, Dvorak, Liszt, Chabrier, and many others. And isn't the "serious" part of "serious music" really about artistic intent, rather than the actual mood (acknowledging that serious artistic intent itself may be depressing to people who aren't on that wavelength)?

perhaps "joyous" is the wrong choice of words... maybe "carefree" is better. i do think that a great deal of classical music doesn't 'swing' due to its innate requirement for a certain type of precision, which presents a facade of uptightness even exemplified in kevinb's example of uplifting classical music.

generally speaking, when i want to unwind & relax i don't listen to classical music because it demands work from me; i listen to jazz, latin, world, popular, because it speaks to my body and not my head.

not implying anything regarding good or bad here, just my very subjective observation.

perhaps "joyous" is the wrong choice of words... maybe "carefree" is better. i do think that a great deal of classical music doesn't 'swing' due to its innate requirement for a certain type of precision, which presents a facade of uptightness even exemplified in kevinb's example of uplifting classical music.

I guess partly that's a presentational thing -- you're unlikely to find a public performance of Bach's Christmas Oratorio where the performers are wearing jeans and sneakers and high-fiving the conductor. There is a certain -- I'm not sure 'uptightness' is quite the right word -- restraint and decorum about the whole business.

But I take you're point: if 'carefree' means 'I'm not very much bothered about things' then I think you're probably right -- serious music is, well, serious. Very few composers have managed to make serious, intellegent music light-hearted. Magic Flute, maybe? It's the nearest I can come up with, anyway.

But the point I'm trying to make is the 'serious' need not equate to 'dull' or -- Heaven forefend -- 'depressing'. A lot of classical music is, to mind mind, dull and depressing. Self-indulgently so. So is a lot of popular music. But that's not a characteristic of the genre or, at least, it doesn't have to be.

#1653304 - 04/02/1107:39 PMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: Gould]

Does classical music really make you depressed? I heard this among some people and was wondering if it really did make you depressed if you hear it 24/7...

What an extraordinary and ridiculous idea. Classical music makes me feel exhilarated.

Incidentally I listened to Mozart for the best part of two days and nights back in January when Radio 3 was broadcasting solid Mozart and I was ill in bed with flu. Nothing could have been more cheering.

#1653600 - 04/03/1109:17 AMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: kevinb]

But the point I'm trying to make is the 'serious' need not equate to 'dull' or -- Heaven forefend -- 'depressing'. A lot of classical music is, to mind mind, dull and depressing. Self-indulgently so. So is a lot of popular music. But that's not a characteristic of the genre or, at least, it doesn't have to be.

i agree.

one comparison i'd make: i'd liken classical music to a poetry reading: the content has been painstakingly created and the delivery meticulously prepared to convey the nuance of each written word, for which the audience had better pay strict attention to comprehend the intended meaning. other genres of music like jazz or traditional irish i'd liken to a conversation, which presents a framework within which the participants (sometimes audience included) enter into an improvised dialog which injects the element of spontaneity, which is inherently light.

i believe that before classical music was classical (when, for example, the cadenza lived) it presented many more opportunities for spontaneity and levity. when improvisation became extinct in classical music (in lieu of strict adherence to technique & interpretation of the written note) is i believe when it became much more "serious".

I get depressed when I can't listen to classical music! During the day I can't listen to the radio much because I'm out of my office on the run. I never have a chance to really hear anything that's good while it's on except for in the morning and evening commutes.

In fact the other day I had one of those radio moments. The local public radion station was playing Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto. I went into work flying high. The traffic was light which is unusual, the sun was out, the snow was melting, and there was the Fourth Piano Concerto. I went into work with my head still wrapped around the finale, and I couldn't hold back my joy.

Then reality hit. I had 12 emails and 7 voicemails about various problems I needed to attend to right away. POOF!!

John

Nothing.

#1653688 - 04/03/1112:05 PMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: kevinb]

Maybe it is dull because you don't understand it. That applies to a lot of things, like classic novels. Why do people read trashy love paperbacks? Because their minds haven't had the opportunity to expand a little outside of the garbage and appreciate good literary works. They find them dull because they can't be bothered to dig in a little deeper.

Same applies to music.

"The eyes can mislead, the smile can lie, but the shoes always tell the truth."

#1653884 - 04/03/1106:03 PMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: stores]

That's YOUR problem. It's your perception...formed by you. There's is more than plenty of excitement in the darkest, most serious music. I'm sorry that you don't hear it.

It's his OPINION, but sounds like YOUR problem in understanding how music may affect someone other than yourself. Music can and does evoke different emotions in different people. To think your way of understanding/hearing it is the only way, is to have a very narrow view. Furthermore, one should not have to UNDERSTAND music to enjoy it. That defeats the purpose. Music is not written by musicians for musicians. No art is done that way.

That's YOUR problem. It's your perception...formed by you. There's is more than plenty of excitement in the darkest, most serious music. I'm sorry that you don't hear it.

It's his OPINION, but sounds like YOUR problem in understanding how music may affect someone other than yourself. Music can and does evoke different emotions in different people. To think your way of understanding/hearing it is the only way, is to have a very narrow view. Furthermore, one should not have to UNDERSTAND music to enjoy it. That defeats the purpose. Music is not written by musicians for musicians. No art is done that way.

Also, cheer up mate..

I understand that it's an opinion, but dull and depressing, to me, speak more to a frame of mind.

"And if we look at the works of J.S. Bach — a benevolent god to which all musicians should offer a prayer to defend themselves against mediocrity... -Debussy

"It's ok if you disagree with me. I can't force you to be right."

♪ ≠ $

#1653944 - 04/03/1107:39 PMRe: Does classical music really make you depressed?
[Re: stores]

That's YOUR problem. It's your perception...formed by you. There's is more than plenty of excitement in the darkest, most serious music. I'm sorry that you don't hear it.

It's his OPINION, but sounds like YOUR problem in understanding how music may affect someone other than yourself. Music can and does evoke different emotions in different people. To think your way of understanding/hearing it is the only way, is to have a very narrow view. Furthermore, one should not have to UNDERSTAND music to enjoy it. That defeats the purpose. Music is not written by musicians for musicians. No art is done that way.

Also, cheer up mate..

I understand that it's an opinion, but dull and depressing, to me, speak more to a frame of mind.

True, but that frame of mind can certainly be arrived at by listening to something that evokes sad memories/emotions, nostalgic ones, etc. Or if someone finds a piece not moving, then it can certainly be called dull. I for one don't find music of any form depressing, but can see how some would describe it that way - classical or not. I DO however have plenty of music I can label as dull/boring though. I don't think it's about the music itself, but rather the individual. Though some pieces are so dark, it's hard to see them as cheerful, no matter how hard you try.

That's YOUR problem. It's your perception...formed by you. There's is more than plenty of excitement in the darkest, most serious music. I'm sorry that you don't hear it.

There's a huge difference between 'dull' and 'dark'. And between 'depressing' and 'serious'. At least, that's how it seems to me.

I did not complain about music that is dark and serious. Some of my favourite music is as dark and serious as it comes. I complained about music that is dull and depressing. 'Rite of Spring', for example, is -- I would say -- dark and serious. But it's not depressing, and it's certainly not dull.

On the other hand, I find a lot of Vivaldi's music dull and depressing, even when it is lively and light-hearted. Sorry, I know he has many fans. But I find some of it rather, well, businesslike ad uninspired, and it makes me think "here we go again". Of course, given Vivaldi's prolific output and the conditions in which he worked, it's hardly surprising that he had to be businesslike about it.

I certainly wasn't intending to pick on the classical era. There is good and bad music of all era and all genres. It's completely unreasonable to expect that every piece of music in a particular genre, or even from a particular composer, will fill your bucket. Even Bach (sorry) had his off-days.